Surfrider Gold Coast is one of Australia’s oldest Surfrider branches with more than 25 years' experience in local coastal management issues covering the area between South Stradbroke Island to the north and the Tweed River to the south. The Gold Coast coastline is home to world-class point breaks, including Burleigh Heads, Currumbin Alley, Kirra Point and Greenmount – Snapper Rocks.
A bit of history: From our early days in 1993, the State of Our Surf Report (SOS) was a key project that saw the creation of an environmental database of Australian beaches. In 1994 we submitted a report that led to South Stradbroke Island being given Marine Park status. In 1996, six ‘Nuclear Free Pacific’ rallies were held on the Gold Coast. And 1999 saw the launch of the ‘Hold Onto Your Butt’ campaign with the support of David ‘Rasta’ Rastovich and Michael ‘Munga’ Barry aiming to reduce cigarette butts littering our oceans and beaches.
We have long campaigned for the recognition of the Gold Coast's world-class surf breaks at a national level, including petitioning local governments to protect our iconic surfing amenity. Through the tireless work of volunteers, our iconic surf breaks were formally recognised as a National Surfing Reserve in 2012. In 2018, as part of the 'Save The Waves Coalition', we secured recognition of this 16km stretch of the Gold Coast as a World Surfing Reserve.
Our committee meets regularly to discuss local issues, plan events and engage with the community to help protect our waves, ocean and beaches.
